Problem-Agitate hooks
for short-form video ads
Name a painful, specific problem your customer recognises in the first second. They keep watching because they need the solution. Use when the pain you solve is well-defined and emotionally charged — bad skin, slow workflows, embarrassing situations.
- Problem-AgitateIf you're tired of waking up exhausted, this is for you.
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- Problem-AgitateI was breaking out at 32. Nothing was working.
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- Problem-AgitateSpending 3 hours a day on emails? Stop.
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- Problem-AgitateIf your jeans never fit right, you're not the problem.
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- Problem-AgitateTired of trying every diet that doesn't stick?
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- Problem-AgitateYour dog won't stop scratching. Here's why.
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- Problem-AgitateIf your kitchen is a war-zone every weeknight, watch this.
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- Problem-AgitateBloated by 4pm every single day? It's not normal.
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- Problem-AgitateSick of foundation that creases by lunchtime?
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- Problem-AgitateTired of supplements that make 50 promises and deliver none?
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- Problem-AgitateSkipped another workout because your gym was packed?
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- Problem-AgitateStop using 6 different apps to do one job.
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- Problem-AgitateYour couch shouldn't smell like wet dog. Here's the fix.
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- Problem-AgitateIf meal-prep takes you 3 hours on Sunday, you're doing it wrong.
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- Problem-AgitateTired of clothes that look great online and awful in person?
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When problem-agitate hooks work best
Use when the pain you solve is well-defined and emotionally charged — bad skin, slow workflows, embarrassing situations.
Test 3–5 of these against your existing winner. Keep the body and CTA constant, vary only the first sentence — that's the cleanest way to attribute lift to the hook itself.
Definitions
Browse hooks by category
Curiosity Hooks
Open a loop the viewer feels compelled to close. The strongest scroll-stopper on TikTok, Reels and Shorts when done well.
Problem-Agitate Hooks
Name a painful, specific problem your customer recognises in the first second. They keep watching because they need the solution.
Stat-Drop Hooks
Lead with a precise, surprising statistic. Numbers feel concrete and credible, especially when paired with visual proof.
Social-Proof Hooks
Lean on what other customers are saying or doing. Borrowed credibility is the cheapest way to overcome skepticism.
Direct-Promise Hooks
Tell the viewer exactly what they get in plain language. Works when the offer is genuinely strong on its own.
POV Hooks
Frame the video as a moment in someone's life. Native-feeling on TikTok and Reels because it matches how organic creators speak.
Question Hooks
Ask a tight, specific question your audience already wonders about. Engaging without feeling pushy.
Controversial Hooks
Stake out a strong, polarising position the audience didn't expect. Use sparingly — high reward but easy to misfire.
Browse hooks by industry
Beauty & Skincare
Hooks for skincare, haircare, makeup and cosmetics ads on TikTok, Reels and Shorts.
Fashion & Apparel
Hooks for clothing, accessories, jewelry and footwear brands — DTC and ecommerce.
Health & Supplements
Hooks for vitamins, supplements, wellness and health products. Make claims you can substantiate.
Fitness & Gym
Hooks for fitness apps, workout programs, equipment, athleisure and coaching.
SaaS & Apps
Hooks for software products, mobile apps, productivity tools and subscription services.
Food & Beverage
Hooks for snack brands, drinks, meal kits, restaurants and food delivery apps.
Home & Lifestyle
Hooks for furniture, home decor, kitchen products, cleaning and home improvement.
Pets
Hooks for pet food, toys, supplements, training and accessories.